Pathfinders is formed
The club is founded on 1 May. The first edition of The Pathfinder newsletter also appears later that year, beginning a long tradition of keeping members informed and involved.
Established 1975
About Pathfinders
For more than 50 years, Pathfinders Trials Motorcycle Club has brought together riders, families, observers, officials, volunteers and landowners through motorcycle trials in Western Australia.
Where It Began
A Club Built Around Trials and People
Pathfinders began after local trials enthusiasts discussed forming a dedicated club in the Rockingham area. An advertised meeting at the Ye Olde Narrogin Inne in Armadale on 1 May 1975 attracted 33 people, and the club was formed that night.
The early Pathfinders was as much a social club as a sporting one. Trials sat alongside family functions, club meetings, camping and plenty of off-bike activities. The competition has evolved enormously, but fellowship, sportsmanship and people helping each other have remained central to the club.
A Few Milestones
Five Decades of Change
The charity tradition begins
The first Telethon Trial starts a fundraising tradition that later develops into the Memorial Charity Trial and support for many WA charities.
New ways to present and score trials
Pathfinders stages the first arena trial in WA at Barbagallo Raceway. Punchcards also begin appearing in club competition, an early step in the continuing evolution of scoring.
History and observer development
The original Trial & Error history covering the club’s first 20 years is published, and Pathfinders runs formal observer training with classroom and practical components.
National competition at Immediate Metals
Immediate Metals hosts the Australian Observed Trials Championships, one of several major state and national events connected with the venue over the years.
The magazine era closes
After nearly four decades, the printed Pathfinder magazine reaches its final edition. Club communication progressively moves to the website, email and social media.
Digital scoring arrives
Pathfinders introduces digital section scoring. After a successful first event, it becomes the normal scoring method while retaining a practical backup process.
Fifty years
The club celebrates its golden anniversary and the next chapter of its history is recorded in Trial & Error Volume Two.
More Than Results
Competition, Family and Contribution
Pathfinders has always depended on people contributing beyond their own ride. Section setters, observers, officials, scorers, event organisers, landowners and general helpers make each event possible. That shared effort is a large part of why generations of families have stayed involved in the club.
The bikes, classes, rules and technology have changed, but the simple idea remains: enjoy motorcycle trials, compete in good spirit and leave the club stronger for the people who come next.
A glimpse of the club culture in the mid-1990s.
LM
Our Highest Club Honour
Life Members
Across Pathfinders’ first 50 years, only 19 people were recorded as receiving Life Membership. Their contributions span club leadership, administration, officiating, coaching, observing, section setting, event organisation and decades of practical volunteer service.
View the Life Members Honour RollPlaces That Shaped the Club
Immediate Metals
The Jarrahdale quarry known to trials riders as Immediate Metals is one of the most important venues in Pathfinders history. Its rock, creek and quarry terrain became closely associated with the club and has hosted countless club events as well as major State and National Championships.
For many members it represents the kind of natural, challenging terrain that has helped define WA trials over several generations.
Giving Back Since the 1970s
The Memorial Charity Trial
Pathfinders began a charity trial in 1976, initially raising money for Telethon. Over time the event broadened to support different charities and evolved into the Memorial Charity Trial, recognising past members while continuing to raise funds for the wider community.
By the club’s 50th anniversary history, the event had contributed more than $76,000 across more than 23 charities. The tradition continues today through entry proceeds, fundraising and the generosity of riders, members and supporters.
$76k+recorded historical donationsAcross more than 23 charities by 2025.
Always Evolving
From Paper Results to Digital Scoring
The Pathfinder
News, results, club debate and event information were carried by the volunteer-produced club magazine for nearly 40 years.
Punchcards
Punchcards became part of club scoring, helping observers and scorers manage results more efficiently.
Digital Sections
Observer phones and digital score recording replaced the normal manual system, reducing repetitive work while keeping a backup path available.
Modern Event Management
Pathfinders continues to develop practical digital tools for sign-on, scoring, results and event-day administration while keeping the sport itself simple and accessible.
From the Club Archive
A Few Faces and Moments
The Full Story
Trial & Error - Volume Two
Steve Scragg’s illustrated history records Pathfinders from 1996 to 2025 and continues the story first documented by Life Member Chris Spikins in the original volume covering the club’s first 20 years.
Hard copies are available from Steve Scragg for $60. Please contact the club and we will provide the purchase details.
The book is not offered as a digital download through this website. The historical material on this page has been independently summarised and rewritten for the club website.
This page was compiled from Pathfinders club history and Trial & Error Volume Two by Steve Scragg. Our thanks to Steve, Chris Spikins, past Pathfinder magazine editors and the many members who preserved photographs, records and stories across the club’s first 50 years.